How to Cultivate Geranium Cuttings

Common bedding geraniums are not true geraniums.

Geraniums (Pelargonium x hortorum) are common garden and container plants that are easily propagated through cuttings. Geranium cuttings are often taken in late summer or early fall, but in warm climates, they are often taken in late fall or early winter. The cuttings are then rooted and cared for during the winter and typically transplanted in the spring to their permanent location. To successfully root a geranium, cultivate or prepare and care for the cutting using several rooting techniques common to most types of cuttings.

1

Pinch off the leaves on the bottom halves of a geranium cuttings with your finger and thumb. Cuttings are typically about 4 inches long, taken from healthy stems from healthy plants. If the cuttings are longer than this, remove the leaves from the bottom 1 to 2 inches of the stems.

2

Roll or dip the end of the cuttings where the leaves were removed in a liquid or powder rooting hormone. Rooting hormone helps cuttings take root quickly, ensuring success. Use as indicated by the manufacturer. However, to prevent contamination of the whole container, place a small amount of rooting hormone on a piece of paper or small cup and use that to dip or roll the cuttings.

3

Prepare a well-draining potting medium and fill small plant pots with the medium until it is approximately 1/2 inch below the rim. Do not pack it down. A mix of 1 part coarse sand mixed with 1 part peat moss, vermiculite or perlite works well.

4

Place the pots in tray of shallow water and allow the potting medium to moisten from the bottom up. Insert the end of a pencil into the medium to make a hole in each pot for the cuttings. In a larger pot, space the cuttings about 3 to 4 inches apart. This prevents the rooting hormone from rubbing off the stems during insertion. Then, insert the cuttings into the holes and gently tamp the medium around the cuttings. No leaves should touch the medium.

5

Insert two or three pencils, chopsticks or other suitable sticks around the cuttings. They should be about 1 to 2 inches taller than the cuttings. Then, place a clear plastic bag loosely over top of each planting pot. This helps keep the heat and humidity in, an ideal environment for cultivating geranium cuttings. Do not seal the bags to the pots.

6

Place the pots in a bright window with plenty of indirect light. Check the cuttings daily and water as necessary to keep the medium moist. If you notice excess moisture on the bag, take it off and wipe some of it away. Too much humidity can result in wet soil conditions. After one month, gently tug on the cuttings to see if you feel any resistance. If you do, the cuttings have successfully formed roots.

7

Wait one to two weeks for the roots to grow at least 1 inch. You can then take off the plastic bags, replant the cuttings -- which are now a small, fully formed plants -- into larger pots with regular potting soil and place them in a sunny area.

Things You Will Need

Rooting hormone

Piece of paper or cup

Plant pot

Coarse sand

Peat moss, vermiculite or perlite

Pencils, chopsticks or sticks

Bag

Tip

Use planting pots with at least one drainage hole to help prevent the potting medium or soil from becoming waterlogged. Small peat pots drain freely and can be conveniently planted directly in their next location once the roots start to come through the side of the pots.

About the Author

Melissa Lewis is a former elementary classroom teacher and media specialist. She has also written for various online publications. Lewis holds a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.